NC recreation and park planners seek public input for five-year plan

North Carolinians place a high value on outdoor recreation places and activities, and view these resources as important components of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy community. The N.C Division of Parks and Recreation invites the public to participate in a survey designed to assess the state’s outdoor recreation preferences, needs and priorities.

The survey is one component of the 2014-18 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which is updated every five years to provide guidance for North Carolina’s recreation future. It also maintains the state’s eligibility for federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) administered by the National Park Service. The survey is available online through today at the division’s website.

”The results of the survey will allow the state to balance the outdoor recreation demands of its people with its mission to protect and restore natural resources,” said Carol Tingley, acting division director. “The information collected will make the state’s decision-making process more accurate and responsive to public need for the next five years.”

LWCF grants provide matching assistance to state and local agencies to acquire new land for outdoor recreation and develop or renovate recreation facilities. Since 1967, the State of North Carolina and its local governments have received more than $80 million in LWCF grants. In recent years, LWCF grants have been awarded for land acquisition for Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County, Carver’s Creek State Park in Cumberland County and Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery County. The city of Wilson received a LWCF grant to build youth baseball fields, a walking trail, shuffleboard and bocce courts at Burt Gillette Athletic Complex, and the town of Morrisville received a grant to build tennis courts, a cricket field, picnic shelter and playground at the RTP Park.



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